In administering a calcium channel blocker to a patient diagnosed with primary hypertension, the nurse understands this is due to which mechanism of action of this medication?

A. Insomnia is not a common side effect of rifampin. While individual responses to medications can vary, the typical side effects of rifampin do not generally include sleep disturbances. More common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, rash, and liver enzyme changes.
B. The treatment duration for rifampin in the context of active tuberculosis is typically much longer than 1 month. Standard therapy often lasts for at least 6 months and may vary depending on the specific treatment regimen and patient response.
C. Rifampin is generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, to enhance absorption. Taking it with food may reduce its effectiveness. This information is crucial for ensuring the medication works optimally.
D. One of the notable side effects of rifampin is that it can cause urine, sweat, tears, and other bodily secretions to turn a reddish-orange color. This is harmless but important for the patient to be aware of, as it can cause concern or confusion regarding potential blood in urine or other secretions.

A. While pulse oximetry is important for assessing oxygen saturation and determining if supplemental oxygen is needed, it does not provide specific information about the type of pneumonia or the causative organism. It’s more of a monitoring tool than a diagnostic test to guide treatment planning.
B. Bronchoscopy can be useful for visualizing the airways and obtaining samples if the pneumonia is severe or complicated (e.g., suspected abscess or obstruction). However, it is not routinely performed for all pneumonia cases and is not the first-line diagnostic test for planning care.
C. Pulmonary function tests assess lung capacity and airflow but are not directly useful for diagnosing pneumonia or guiding immediate treatment plans. They are more relevant for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
D. Sputum culture and sensitivity tests are critical in pneumonia cases as they help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. This information is essential for guiding the healthcare provider in planning appropriate and targeted therapy, especially in cases of community-acquired versus hospital-acquired pneumonia.